House Favorite Garlic Bread Recipe
Introduction
This House Favorite Garlic Bread is a simple yet irresistible side that pairs perfectly with pasta, soup, or salad. With a rich garlic butter spread, Parmesan, and fresh parsley, it’s a crowd-pleasing classic you can easily make at home.
Ingredients
- Half a loaf of French bread or a full loaf of Italian bread
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, cut into chunks
- 1 large clove garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Soften the butter by microwaving it in short increments until spreadable.
- Step 2: Grate the garlic directly into the softened butter.
- Step 3: Add garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and minced parsley to the butter and garlic mixture. Stir well to combine. If the mixture is too runny, chill it in the fridge for a minute.
- Step 4: Cut the bread in half lengthwise and spread a thick layer of the garlic butter mixture evenly over each half.
- Step 5: Place the bread halves on a baking sheet and bake in the center of the oven for 9 to 10 minutes. For a golden-brown finish, bake for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove the garlic bread from the oven, slice it into pieces, and serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but adjust the amount if you prefer a milder garlic taste.
- For extra cheesiness, sprinkle additional Parmesan on top before baking.
- Try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Use herb butter blends like basil or oregano to vary the flavor profile.
Storage
Store leftover garlic bread in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in foil at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place the slices in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5-7 minutes until warmed through and crisp.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use unsalted butter instead of salted butter?
Yes, you can use unsalted butter. Just add a pinch of salt to the garlic butter mixture to enhance the flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese substitute to make the garlic bread vegan and dairy-free.
PrintHouse Favorite Garlic Bread Recipe
This House Favorite Garlic Bread is a simple, delicious twist on classic garlic bread featuring a rich butter, fresh garlic, Parmesan cheese, and parsley spread baked to golden perfection on crusty French or Italian bread. Perfect as a side or appetizer, it brings warm, savory flavors with an irresistible aroma.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 20-22 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Garlic Butter Spread
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, cut into chunks
- 1 large clove garlic, grated
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Bread
- Half a loaf of French bread or a full loaf of Italian bread
Instructions
- Prep: Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the butter into chunks to make it easier to soften.
- Soften the Butter: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Soften the butter by microwaving it in short increments to avoid melting it completely.
- Grate Garlic: Grate the large garlic clove directly into the softened butter to capture all the flavor.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the garlic powder, finely grated Parmesan cheese, and minced fresh parsley to the butter and garlic. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to combine. If the mixture feels too runny, chill it in the refrigerator for a minute to firm up.
- Prepare Bread: Cut your chosen bread (French or Italian) in half lengthwise to create two separate pieces for spreading.
- Spread the Butter Mixture: Generously spread the garlic butter mixture thickly over the cut sides of the bread halves.
- Bake the Bread: Place the prepared bread in the middle of the preheated oven. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes until the top is golden and the butter mixture is bubbling. For a deeper browning, bake for an additional 1 to 2 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the garlic bread from the oven, slice it into serving pieces, and enjoy it warm as a flavorful side or appetizer.
Notes
- If you prefer a stronger garlic flavor, you can add an extra clove of garlic or increase the garlic powder slightly.
- To make this recipe vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan cheese is free from animal rennet.
- For a crispier crust, place the bread directly on the oven rack during baking.
- This garlic bread is best served fresh and warm but can be reheated briefly in the oven.
- You can substitute salted butter with unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt if preferred.
Keywords: garlic bread, garlic butter bread, Parmesan garlic bread, easy garlic bread, baked garlic bread, side dish, appetizer
